How to Choose Your Destinations in China
A practical guide to choosing where to go in China – from historic capitals and modern mega‑cities to natural wonders and minority regions.
Module 1
Trip Planning Fundamentals
Choose destinations, seasons and dates with confidence before you book anything.
When is the best time to visit China?
A practical guide to choosing the best time to visit China by balancing weather, scenery and travel costs. For most travelers, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons.
Which dates should I avoid when visiting China?
A practical guide to China’s public holidays and Golden Weeks, explaining why they are challenging for travelers and how to plan around them.
Module 2
Visa & Entry Policies
Navigate visa requirements, documents and visa-free programs without surprises.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
A clear overview of when you do and don’t need a visa for China: unilateral visa-free entry, mutual visa-waiver agreements, transit visa-free options and cruise group policies, plus what to do if you’re not eligible.
What documents do I need to apply for a China visa?
A practical checklist for applying for a Chinese tourist (L) visa, including passport requirements, application form, photo, itinerary proof, invitation letters and proof of legal stay in the country of application.
Are there any visa-free policies for visiting China?
A clear explanation of China’s main visa-free and transit visa-free policies, including 144-hour transit, 24-hour direct transit, Hainan visa-free entry and key warnings for travelers.
Module 3
Signature Itineraries & Routes
Mix and match ready-made itineraries plus the best ways to move between cities.
Classic routes for first-time visitors to China
Suggested itineraries for first-time visitors to China, including the Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai ‘Golden Triangle’ and themed trips focused on nature, culture, the Silk Road and Tibet.
What is the best way to travel between cities in China?
An overview of intercity transport in China for international travelers, with a focus on high-speed rail, plus when to use domestic flights, conventional trains and long-distance buses.
Which platform should I use for booking tickets in China?
A guide for international travelers on the easiest way to book train tickets, flights and hotels in China, with a focus on how to use Trip.com effectively.
Module 4
Where to Stay
Decode hotel types, booking tips and foreigner-friendly stays.
What should I know before booking a hotel in China?
Key tips for international travelers booking hotels in China, including foreign guest eligibility, platform recommendations, hotel types and check-in procedures.
What types of accommodation are available in China?
An overview of accommodation options in China for international travelers, including international chains, mid-range business hotels, budget chains, hostels and boutique hotels/guesthouses.
Module 5
Packing & Essentials
Get beyond clothing with tech, power and everyday must-haves.
Besides clothes, what are the essentials?
A comprehensive packing guide for traveling in China, covering core documents, electronics, health and hygiene items, seasonal clothing and practical everyday items to help international travelers prepare thoroughly.
What about electricity and power plugs in China?
A guide to electricity and power plugs in China for international travelers, covering voltage, frequency, plug types and how to safely use your electronic devices.
The most important prep: Do I need a VPN?
A VPN guide for traveling in China: why you need a VPN, why it must be installed before departure, how it works, and how to choose the right VPN service.
Module 6
Connectivity & Apps
Internet access options, must-have apps and VPN know-how for travelers.
How do I get online in China?
A complete guide to internet access and essential apps in China, including a comparison of three connectivity options and must-have app recommendations.
What are the 'lifesaver' apps for traveling in China?
# 6.2 What are the "lifesaver" apps for traveling in China? When traveling in China, you may find that many of your usual international apps don't work or have
Module 7
Payments & Money
Master mobile payments, cash needs and backup options in a mostly cashless country.
Is China cashless? How do I pay for things?
An analysis of China's payment environment, covering Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank cards, cash and digital RMB, helping foreign tourists easily complete every payment in China.
As a foreigner, can I use mobile payment?
Detailed answers on whether foreign tourists can use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China, with step-by-step instructions for linking international bank cards, usage methods and important notes.
Do I still need cash or credit cards in China?
Even though mobile payments are highly prevalent, foreign tourists still need to carry cash and credit cards when traveling in China. This article analyzes the usage scenarios for different payment methods and the best strategy.
Module 8
City Transportation
Everything from metros to high-speed trains for navigating Chinese cities.
What are the best ways to get around Chinese cities?
Transportation options in Chinese cities are diverse, including metro, ride-hailing, taxis, bike-sharing and buses. This article provides international travelers with a detailed analysis of the characteristics, usage methods and applicable scenarios for each type of transportation.
How do I take the high-speed train in China?
A complete guide to traveling by high-speed rail in China, covering the full process from booking tickets and station security to boarding, luggage, seating and arrival, so international travelers can confidently experience China’s HSR.
Module 9
Language & Communication
Practical language tips and phrases when English isn’t available.
Do people really not speak English?
A guide for foreign travelers on how common English actually is in China: where you can’t rely on English, where you usually can, and how to use translation apps, Chinese addresses, and key phrases to communicate smoothly.
What are some practical communication tips?
Practical ways for foreign travelers to overcome language barriers in China, including using translation apps, saving Chinese addresses, carrying hotel cards, using body language, and a few key Chinese phrases.
9.3 Which Chinese phrases should I learn?
The most useful Chinese phrases for traveling in China, including core survival phrases, practical phrases for buying and ordering, navigation and asking for help, with pinyin and usage notes to help foreign visitors communicate more smoothly.
Module 10
Food Culture Basics
Ordering confidently, eating safely and enjoying real regional Chinese food.
10.1 Do all Chinese dishes taste the same?
Answers the common question from foreign travelers about whether Chinese food all tastes similar, by explaining China’s diverse regional cuisines, highlighting Cantonese, Sichuan, Beijing/Shandong, and Shanghai flavors, and offering practical tips for food travel.
How to order in a restaurant when you can’t read the menu?
Practical techniques for confidently ordering food in local Chinese restaurants without English menus, including using translation apps, photo menus, pointing, and pre‑prepared food requirement cards.
What should I know about drinking water and food safety?
A practical guide for foreign travelers on how to stay safe with drinking water and food in China, including what water to drink, how to choose restaurants, how to handle street food, and what to be cautious about.
Module 11
Delivery & E-commerce
Tap into everyday Chinese conveniences like food delivery and online shopping.
How common is food delivery in China?
A guide for foreign travelers on how to experience China’s food delivery culture: from Meituan and Ele.me, to using Alipay and WeChat mini‑programs, plus practical tips for ordering, paying, and receiving your food.
What is the e‑commerce culture like in China?
An introduction to China’s e‑commerce culture and its unique social role, plus a step‑by‑step guide for foreign travelers who want to shop on Taobao.
Module 12
Cultural Mindsets
Understand collectivism, “face” and values that shape social interactions.
12.1 Understanding the importance of family, collectivism, and 'face'
A deep dive into three core cultural values in Chinese society—family, collectivism and harmony, and the importance of “face”—plus practical advice to help foreign travelers avoid misunderstandings.
Module 13
Etiquette & Social Skills
Polite behavior, tipping and photography norms to avoid awkward moments.
13.1 Do I need to tip in China?
Explains whether tipping is expected in China, covering the core principle that tipping is not a local custom, the main exception in tourism, and modern app-based “rewards,” helping foreign travelers avoid awkward situations.
13.2 Are there any rules for taking photos or giving gifts?
An overview of photography and gift-giving etiquette for foreign travelers in China, including rules about photographing people and restricted areas, how to give and receive gifts, which gifts are appropriate, and which ones to avoid.
13.3 How can I avoid offending people?
Practical advice for foreign travelers on how to avoid giving offense in China, covering restaurant etiquette, conversation topics, and general behavior and body language.
Module 14
Health & Everyday Care
Water safety, restrooms and what to do if you feel unwell.
14.1 Can I drink tap water in Chinese hotels?
A clear guide for foreign travelers on whether hotel tap water in China is safe to drink, plus safe drinking options and related FAQs.
14.2 What are public restrooms like in China?
A guide for foreign travelers on what to expect from public restrooms in China, including the prevalence of squat toilets, lack of toilet paper and soap, and practical survival tips.
14.3 What should I do if I get sick in China?
A practical guide for foreign travelers on what to do if they get sick while traveling in China, including preparation before departure, handling minor illnesses, dealing with serious or emergency situations, and paying for care with insurance.
Module 15
Safety & Situational Awareness
Stay safe, avoid scams and know where to turn in an emergency.
15.1 Is China a safe country to travel in?
An overview of safety for foreign travelers in China, including personal safety, petty crime, common scams, property protection, traffic and food/water safety, to help visitors travel with confidence.
15.2 What common scams target tourists in China?
A summary of the most common scams targeting tourists in China, including tea house scams, black taxis, non-metered taxis, massage/spa scams, and fake monks or students, plus advice on how to avoid them.
Module 16
Emergency Support
Emergency numbers and how to get help fast when plans change.
16.1 What are the emergency numbers in China?
Key emergency phone numbers in China (110, 120, 119), the challenge of language barriers and how to handle them, plus other important contacts like embassies and insurance providers.
16.2 In everyday situations, who is best to ask for help?
A priority guide for foreign travelers in China on who to ask for help in everyday situations, including hotel staff, young people, service counters, tourist information centers, and police, plus general tips for asking for help.